Toyota South Africa Motors has renewed its call for vehicle owners to respond to the long-running Takata airbag recall, warning that thousands of affected cars on South African roads remain unrepaired. The issue affects drivers and passengers across Gauteng and nationally, with the company confirming that 39% of impacted vehicles have not yet undergone the necessary safety replacement. This matters now because defective airbags can deploy with excessive force, posing a risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.
The recall, first issued in 2015, remains one of the largest automotive safety interventions globally.
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What The Takata Airbag Recall Involves
The Takata airbag recall centres on defective airbag inflators that can rupture when deployed.
According to Toyota South Africa Motors, the defect can cause:
- Airbags to deploy with excessive force
- Metal fragments to be expelled into the vehicle cabin
- Increased risk of injury or fatality during accidents
The issue has affected millions of vehicles worldwide across multiple manufacturers.
In South Africa, Toyota, Lexus and Hino vehicles are among those impacted.
Vehicles Affected in South Africa
Toyota has confirmed that a wide range of models manufactured over several years may be affected.
Toyota models include:
- Corolla (2002–2017)
- RAV4 (2003–2005)
- Fortuner (2005–2015)
- Hilux (2004–2015)
- Yaris (2005–2017)
- Avensis (2006–2008)
- Auris (2007–2013)
- RunX (2002–2007)
Lexus models include:
- IS (2006–2012)
- SC (2008)
- RX (2016)
Hino vehicles:
- 300 Series (2011–2017)
Toyota said the affected vehicles remain in circulation, increasing the importance of completing the recall process.
Why The Recall is Being Emphasised Again
Although the recall has been active for more than a decade, Toyota has intensified its messaging due to low response rates.
The company said:
- 39% of affected vehicles in South Africa are still unrepaired
- Many owners may be unaware their vehicles are affected
- Others may have delayed repairs despite previous notifications
Toyota South Africa Motors President and CEO Andrew Kirby said the renewed campaign aims to ensure all remaining vehicles are addressed.
“This is an enhanced effort to ensure every affected vehicle is repaired,” Kirby said.
What Toyota is Doing Differently
The latest phase of the recall campaign focuses on improving access and awareness.
According to Toyota, new measures include:
- Expanded communication to reach outstanding vehicle owners
- Multilingual messaging across different communities
- Community-based outreach initiatives
- Continued availability of free inspections and repairs
The company said all repairs remain free of charge.
How Vehicle Owners Can Check if They Are Affected
Toyota has introduced multiple channels for owners to verify whether their vehicles are part of the recall.
Owners can:
- Contact the Toyota call centre with their VIN number
- Use online VIN checking tools on official brand websites
- Visit authorised dealerships for assistance
The verification process is free and does not require a service booking.
Repair Process and Timeline
If a vehicle is identified as affected, the repair process involves replacing the defective airbag inflator.
Key details:
- Repairs are conducted at authorised dealerships
- The process typically takes around two hours
- No service fees or additional costs apply
Toyota said the replacement is a safety-critical intervention and should not be delayed.
Why This Matters for Gauteng
Gauteng has one of the highest concentrations of vehicles in South Africa, increasing the potential impact of unresolved recalls.
The presence of affected vehicles on busy urban roads raises concerns about:
- Driver and passenger safety
- Risk exposure during daily commuting
- Public awareness of vehicle safety notices
With high traffic volumes across Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding areas, ensuring vehicle safety remains a priority.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For motorists in Gauteng, the recall highlights the importance of checking vehicle safety status regularly. Many drivers may unknowingly be operating affected vehicles, particularly older models that remain widely used.
The availability of free repairs reduces financial barriers, but awareness and timely action remain key factors in addressing the issue. The continued presence of unrepaired vehicles suggests that communication gaps or delays in response still exist.
FAQ: Toyota Airbag Recall in South Africa
What is the Takata airbag issue?
It involves defective inflators that can deploy dangerously, causing injury.
Are repairs free?
Yes. All inspections and replacements are conducted at no cost.
How do I check if my car is affected?
You can use your vehicle identification number (VIN) through official Toyota platforms or contact centres.
How long does the repair take?
The replacement process typically takes about two hours.
What happens if I ignore the recall?
You may remain at risk in the event of an accident due to a faulty airbag.
What Happens Next
Toyota South Africa Motors is expected to continue its outreach efforts to reduce the number of unrepaired vehicles. The company has indicated that further communication campaigns and community engagement initiatives will be rolled out to improve response rates.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor official recall notices and verify their vehicle status as the campaign continues.
